Chester le Street - Air tightness testing - 0191 633 0103

The office that covers this area is: Newcastle

Phone Number: 0191 633 0103 Email: chester-le-street@e2consultants.co.uk

Air Testing is sometimes referred to as Domestic Air tightness testing, Domestic Air pressure tests, Domestic Air tightness tests, Domestic Air tests, Domestic Air leakage testing, Domestic Air pressure testing.

How Many Properties Need An Air Tightness Test?

According to Part L1a, an air pressure test needs to be undertaken on 50% of all dwelling types or three units of each type depending on which value is smaller. A block of flats is considered as a separate development and should be treated as such no matter on the number of blocks on the site. Furthermore, the testing should be done on the first batch of each type of dwelling to be completed. The need to test multiple versions of each type is to confirm the design and construction procedures are up to code according to Government regulations.

Why E2 Consultants?

E2 Consultants offer a range of services from desktop reviews of drawings to pre test inspections on site to advice on air tightness, how to improve and what needs to be completed and sealed for the testing to take place successfully.

For a quote or for more information, call our air tightness / pressure testing consultants in Chester le Street on 0191 633 0103 or email us on Chester_le_Street@e2consultants.co.uk

All new buildings in England and Wales have had a mandatory requirement since 2006 (2010 in Scotland) that domestic and commercial buildings, must have a passing air leakage certificate before the property can be passed off by building regulations.

At E2 Consultants we offer Air Testing throughout Chester le Street and surrounding areas. Our experienced air testing consultants will also be happy to offer advice on the best ways to gain your target rating.

What Air Permeability Rating Do I Need?

Your air permeability rating resembles the amount of uncontrolled air that's leaking from the dwelling. A passing score in Chester le Street is 10 m³/(h.m²). If the air test fails, we will help you identify where these leakage areas occur in the hope that a passing rate will be achieved following a re-test. The final target will be set by the design SAP Calculation (please contact us if you require one of these in Chester le Street )

What Does An Air Leakage Test in Chester le Street Involve?

Air tests cannot be carried out if the wind speed is more than 13mph - 3 metres per second is the ideal wind speed when undertaking an air test in Chester le Street. An air test involves placing a large fan, or several fans, to an opening within the property; usually a doorway. The fans will increase and decrease in speed that will in-turn change the building's air pressure and record the results.

There should be no outside access once the test has begun for approximately 90 minutes so plan accordingly. Workers can still do their job inside the property, within reason, though may feel some discomfort due to the noise of the fan and the draught that will be felt throughout the building.

Whilst the air tightness test is being undertaken, furniture will not be affected but smaller items such as paper must be held down or removed completely so they're not blown about. The pressure of the room will be tested and as such all windows and doors that lead outside must be securely closed to avoid them swinging open and the test being abandoned. Similarly, all internal doors should be wedged open to avoid being slammed shut.

When Should The Test Take Place?

The air leakage should be completed once the building is completed. All doors and windows in place, all skirting boards sealed, traps filled with water and any penetrations through the envelope of the building need to be sealed. Please find checklist within the downloads section of the website which provide a comprehensive list of requirements. People who follow this checklist have a much higher change of passing the air test first time.

For further Air Testing information for your area, be sure to check out Air-Testing-Newcastle.co.uk.